Mercer County students compete in NJ High School Consumer Bowl

The Consumer Bowl pits teams of high school students against one another in a game-show format.

Students from seven Mercer County high schools will compete in the 22nd annual NJ High School Consumer Bowl on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m. at the Stone Terrace, 2275 Kuser Road, Hamilton.

The Consumer Bowl tests students’ knowledge of the state’s consumer protection laws and regulations. The competition features a game-show format where teams buzz in to answer questions posed by a moderator from the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs.

Defending champion Hightstown High School, which went on to win the state title last year; Hamilton High School West, Hopewell Valley Central High School, Lawrence High School, Nottingham High School, Steinert High School and Trenton Central High School will vie for this year’s Mercer County title. The winner will move on to the Central Jersey Regional Consumer Bowl.

“This event, and the preparation that goes into it, is a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge they can use to become smarter consumers,” Mercer County executive Brian M. Hughes said. “Education is your best defense against consumer fraud.”

Anthony Brennan, New Jersey Consumer Affairs investigator, and Melanie Hazim, NJ Consumer Affairs outreach director, will serve as moderators for the Mercer County competition, and Mercer County Consumer Affairs Chief John Worth will serve as referee.

Judges will be Andrew Tucker, special assistant to the director, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs; County Clerk Paula Sollami Covello, County Surrogate Diane Gerofsky, Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Cook, Undersheriff Jason Salvatore, County Planning Director Leslie Floyd and Assistant County Counsel John Maloney. Rebecca Shaw, Mercer County Weights and Measures inspector; and Dulcelina Pena, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Consumer Bowl coordinator, will serve as scorekeepers; and David Donahue, NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Building Services coordinator, will serve as timekeeper.

A snow date is set for Feb. 22. The Mercer County competition is held by the Mercer County Division of Consumer Affairs, in conjunction with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. The Division of Consumer Affairs can be reached at (609) 989-6671.

Community News is committed to bringing readers the latest news from across Mercer County and Central Jersey. An accumulation of more than eight print publications, Community News strives to deliver hyperlocal news directly to residents, community members and businesses.